The Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chattanooga Convention Center signed a three-year contract to host the Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair.

Thousands of southern gospel music fans and enthusiasts will gather at the Chattanooga Convention Center "to enjoy six days of the finest southern gospel music, fellowship and family fun" on Aug. 14-21, 2005, Aug. 13-20, 2006 and Aug. 12-19, 2007, officials said.

Mike Wootten of the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Lisa Hyman of the Chattanooga Convention Center put forth a collaborative effort to bring the Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair to Chattanooga, it was stated.

Mr. Wootten said, "The ideal location and progress of Chattanooga was so appealing for the fan fair that the group signed a three-year contract."

“The excitement level this event has created among not only the host facilities but the locals as well has been tremendous. Perhaps this excitement can be attributed to the fact that this event is the perfect fit for our family-friendly city.”

It took the group three weeks and two site visits, from the first contact with the Convention Center, to sign the three-year agreement. The first year is conservatively estimated to deliver $621,000 in economic impact and increase over the course of the following two years.

Chattanooga competed with cities like Tupelo, Knoxville and Nashville. Its central location within the Southeast and convenience to the attractions were deciding factors for the key decision makers, it was stated.

“Chattanooga really rolled out the red carpet for us during our visit,” said Randall Wilds, group contact for the fan fair. “We were all impressed by the friendliness and accessibility of Chattanooga.”

The Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair is inviting the community to come and enjoy the family fun. Tickets will cost $19.95 per day and $26.95 per day for Artist Circle Seating. Lulu Roman, The Hoppers, Laverne and Edith Trip, John Lanier, The Shadrix Trio and Young Harmony are just a few of the big names in southern gospel music to perform at this event.

Groups are still being added to the line-up. Please check www.sgmfanfair.com regularly for newly confirmed performers.

The Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit, Hamilton County funded organization, formed to strengthen the area economy through the marketing and promotion of Chattanooga as a year-round destination for meetings, conventions, and leisure travel.